“Venus Novena” is a single-movement short work for string quartet, written to accompany aesthetic pole dance. A live performance at Star Theater Portland was recorded on December 16, 2016. The dance was performed by Nikki Diesel. The music is played by Nick Shaddow (viola), Betsy Goy (cello), Chris Fotinakis (violin) and Sharon Cannon (violin). Now

As we head into our final four shows of 2016, the makers of Portland’s most user-friendly opera have come up with this list of Frequently Asked Questions. VIVA’S HOLIDAY FAQ 1. Is this a real opera? – YES! 2. Is there a real orchestra? – YES! 3. Is it in English? – YES! 4. Is

We had a great opening of the 2016 run of Viva’s Holiday! You still have four chances to see this show, which has most recently been recommended by the Portland Mercury as well as Portland Monthly Magazine. Tickets: Wed. Dec. 14: http://tinyurl.com/viva-2016-Dec-14 Thurs. Dec. 15: http://tinyurl.com/viva-2016-Dec-15 Fri. Dec. 16: http://tinyurl.com/viva-2016-Dec-16 Sat. Dec. 17: http://tinyurl.com/viva-2016-Dec-17 DECEMBER

“Safety Nets” is the first single from the ongoing Cult of Orpheus original project Time-wise Animals. The song displays Americana and folk influence but quickly goes on a through-composed adventure with guitar and cello lines intertwining around the vocals. The text, an original sonnet, is a symbolic exploration of failed social safety nets, represented by

Cult of Orpheus needs devoted volunteers to help create a cultural movement around underground opera. We are building crazy cool original works that involve community and utilize the craft of lyrical, poetic music creation to the utmost. We are Portland’s only all-original art song and opera company. We want underground, original opera to be Portland’s

Last week Christopher Corbell spoke with Andrea Murray on All Classical Portland’s NW Previews program about the forthcoming Cult of Orpheus album/chapbook Time-wise Animals. The August 17 Cult of Orpheus Summer Concert at The Old Church Concert Hall will include a pre-release performance of album in entirety, and there may even be advance copies available.

Cult of Orpheus • underground opera CALL FOR STORIES FROM PORTLAND AUTHORS fiction • memoir • dramatic scenes • published or unpublishedcomic, poignant, weird, etc. • excerpts/abridgements okay Cult of Orpheus, creator of Viva’s Holiday, is creating a new production in 2017 in collaboration with local authors. This operatic “anthology” will feature three to five stories

Our June newsletter is out with updates on the debut album Time-wise Animals, our upcoming show with Strangled Darlings, and our search for Viva’s Holiday 2016 sponsors. Plus, a new sonnet! Sign up for the mailing list (see the sidebar! ->) to get these updates delivered to your email inbox. READ NEWSLETTER ONLINE

We’ve made the final round! Please head on over to the Willamette Week reader’s poll and vote for the only underground opera company in the running: Cult of Orpheus! We are in the Arts & Culture category under “Classical Artist.” Thanks to all who voted to get us on the final ballot!